Dhanteras Jewellery Buying Guide 2026: Gold-Tone, Silver and Traditional Designs
Dhanteras opens the five days of Diwali, and for many families it is also the day jewellery shopping begins. In 2026, Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November. Whether you are picking something for the evening puja, a gift for someone at home or a piece you will wear through the rest of the festive season, choosing Dhanteras jewellery is easier when you know what you are actually buying.
This guide covers the tradition in brief, the difference between fashion jewellery and precious-metal jewellery, and how to choose gold-tone, silver, Kundan and temple designs by budget, occasion and personal style. The pieces discussed here are fashion jewellery, so always read each listing for material details. You can discover jewellery for the festive season while you read.
Dhanteras and Jewellery: What the Tradition Is About
Dhanteras, also called Dhanatrayodashi, falls on the thirteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik. Many families traditionally buy gold, silver or new utensils on this day, and evenings are usually devoted to puja and lighting diyas.
How you honour the day is a personal and family matter. Some families buy gold or silver coins or jewellery from a jeweller. Others choose new festive outfits and accessories to wear for the celebration. Both are common, and this guide is for the second group, as well as anyone buying jewellery to gift.
Fashion Jewellery vs Precious-Metal Jewellery
This is the most important distinction to understand before you buy anything.
| Fashion jewellery | Precious-metal jewellery | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Typically a base metal such as brass or alloy with a plated or finished surface | Made of gold or silver, with purity levels that vary by piece |
| What the listing should say | Base material, plating or finish, stones | Metal, purity and weight |
| Main purpose | Styling, festive wear, gifting, trying looks | Often bought for tradition or long-term holding |
| What to check | Description, size, weight, care instructions | Hallmark and purity details from the jeweller |
Fashion jewellery in a gold-tone or silver-tone finish is not the same as solid gold or silver. When a listing says "gold-tone" or "silver-tone", it describes the colour of the finish, not the material. If you want to buy gold or silver for tradition or investment, buy from a trusted jeweller and check hallmark and purity details.
For fashion jewellery, read the product description carefully. Some pieces may be sterling silver while others are silver-tone, and the listing should tell you which.
Dhanteras Jewellery Options to Consider
Gold-tone jewellery
Gold-tone jewellery suits warm festive colours such as red, maroon, mustard, green and yellow. It is a natural fit for a puja evening and for anyone who wants the look of a classic gold finish in a lighter, more flexible form. Browse gold-tone jewellery and read the listings to see the plating and materials.
Silver and silver-tone jewellery
Silver jewellery gives a cool, clean look that works with pastels, white, grey, blue and mint. If you search for silver jewellery online, take a moment to check the description. Silver jewellery on the site includes different materials, so the product page is where you will find what each piece is made of.
Kundan jewellery
A Kundan jewellery set gives a polished, stone-set look and is a classic for puja evenings and family gatherings. It looks particularly rich with silk sarees and jewel-toned suits. Explore Kundan jewellery sets to compare necklaces, earrings and matching sets.
Temple jewellery
Temple jewellery draws on South Indian design, with motifs inspired by temple architecture and deities. It looks striking with silk sarees and traditional outfits. See temple jewellery for statement necklaces and earrings.
Necklace sets as Dhanteras jewellery
A traditional jewellery set with matching earrings is a convenient choice. It gives you a complete look without needing to match separate pieces. Look at necklace sets when you want a jewellery set for women that works for puja and later gatherings.
Earrings
If you would rather choose just one piece, earrings are the most versatile. Long earrings suit a plain neckline, while smaller drops and studs work with a high-neck blouse. Browse women's earrings to see jhumkis, chandbalis and studs.

How to Choose Dhanteras Jewellery
By budget
Decide what you want to spend on the whole look, not just one piece. If you are buying one statement piece, such as a necklace set, keep the earrings and bangles you already own. If you are buying several smaller pieces, such as earrings, a ring and a bangle, choose one metal tone so they work together. Check prices on the product pages, since they can change.
By occasion
- Evening puja: Choose comfortable pieces that stay clear of diyas. Avoid very long, loose dangling designs if you will be leaning over flames.
- Family dinners: A necklace set or statement earrings with a simple outfit.
- Wearing it again: Choose a jewellery design that works with other outfits you own, not just the Dhanteras one.
By personal style
If you prefer traditional looks, choose Kundan or temple designs. If you prefer a lighter style, choose a slim gold-tone pendant, small studs or pearl pieces. If you like mixing, choose one hero piece and keep the rest quiet.

What to Wear With Your Dhanteras Jewellery
Warm colours such as red, yellow, gold and maroon are popular for Dhanteras evenings, and they pair naturally with gold-tone and Kundan jewellery. If you are wearing pastels or whites, silver-tone, pearl or American diamond pieces look fresh.
A few simple rules help:
- Let one piece lead, either the necklace or the earrings.
- Keep the neckline in mind: high necks suit earrings and bangles, deeper necks suit necklaces.
- Repeat one metal tone across earrings, necklace and bangles.
Wearing and Caring for Festive Jewellery
Festive evenings mean oil lamps, incense, sweets and a lot of movement, so a little care goes a long way.
- Put jewellery on after you have applied perfume, hairspray and make-up, not before.
- Keep dangling sleeves and long, loose pieces away from diyas and candles.
- Wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, and store pieces separately in a pouch or box so they do not scratch each other.
- Follow the care instructions on the product page, since materials and finishes differ.
Common Mistakes When Buying Jewellery Around Dhanteras
- Mixing up finish and material. Gold-tone and silver-tone are finishes, not purity claims. Read the description.
- Buying for the date, not the wardrobe. A piece that only suits one outfit gets little use after Dhanteras.
- Choosing too many statement pieces. One hero piece looks more polished than three loud ones.
- Skipping size and weight details. Earrings that look light in a photo may feel different when worn for hours.
- Waiting until the last day. Popular designs can be harder to choose in a hurry, and delivery timelines matter if you are ordering online.
Dhanteras Gifting Ideas
Gifting jewellery is a common way to share the festive mood. Choose according to the person and keep versatility in mind.
- A pair of earrings that suits sarees and suits, such as jhumkis or classic drops.
- A necklace set for a mother, sister or sister-in-law who wears traditional outfits.
- A bangle or bracelet in a design that is easy to wear every day.
- A small gift such as studs or a pendant for friends and colleagues.
If you are gifting fashion jewellery, make it clear in the note or conversation that it is a festive accessory. This avoids any confusion with precious-metal gifts.
Buying Close to Dhanteras: A Practical Checklist
- Read the product description for material, finish and what is included.
- Check size and weight, especially for earrings and necklaces.
- Look at all photos, including any worn-by-model shots.
- Confirm the price at checkout.
- Check the shipping and returns pages, and look at delivery estimates at checkout if you are shopping close to the date.
- If something is unclear, contact customer support before you order.

Conclusion
Dhanteras is a personal occasion, and there is no single right way to mark it with jewellery. If your family buys gold or silver, buy those from a trusted jeweller. If you are looking for festive pieces to wear or gift, fashion jewellery in gold-tone, silver, Kundan or temple designs can be a practical and stylish choice.
Whatever you choose, read each listing, pick designs you will wear again and keep the look balanced with one hero piece. Voylla's festive collections are there when you are ready to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What jewellery is suitable for Dhanteras?
Many families buy gold or silver on Dhanteras. If you prefer festive fashion jewellery, gold-tone, silver-tone, Kundan and temple designs all suit the occasion. Choose according to your outfit and budget.
2. Is gold-tone jewellery the same as gold?
No. Gold-tone describes the colour of the finish, usually over a base metal. It is not the same as solid gold. Always read the product description for the material and plating.
3. How do I check silver jewellery online?
Read the product page. It should tell you whether a piece is sterling silver or has a silver-tone finish. If it is unclear, contact customer support before ordering.
4. Which Dhanteras jewellery works for the evening puja?
Comfortable pieces that stay clear of diyas, such as a Kundan or gold-tone necklace set with a silk outfit, or jhumkis with a simple saree.
5. Can I wear temple jewellery or a Kundan jewellery set for Dhanteras?
Yes. Both are traditional and look good with silk sarees and rich colours. Let one piece lead and keep the others simple.
6. How do I choose a jewellery set for women on a budget?
Decide on one hero piece, check prices on product pages and choose a set that can be worn in parts so it works with more than one outfit.
7. Should I buy fashion jewellery on Dhanteras?
That depends on your family's customs. Many people buy fashion jewellery for festive wear and gifting, while buying gold or silver separately for tradition. Be clear about which you are buying.